Rojak Sauce

Elevate your taste buds with this irresistibly bold and flavorful Rojak Sauce, the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory elements that defines Southeast Asian culinary magic. Made with tangy tamarind paste, caramel-like palm sugar, and umami-rich shrimp paste, this versatile sauce is enriched with the crunch of finely ground roasted peanuts and toasted sesame seeds. A hint of dark soy sauce adds depth, while an optional touch of chili paste brings a gentle heat. Ready in just 15 minutes, this quick and easy recipe creates the ultimate dressing for fruit salads, dipping sauces, or as a key component in traditional Rojak. Bursting with authentic flavors and texture, it's a must-have for anyone craving the vibrant taste of Malaysia and Indonesia.

Nutriscore Rating: 47/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons Tamarind paste
• 4 tablespoons Palm sugar (gula melaka), finely chopped
• 4 tablespoons Water
• 1 teaspoon Shrimp paste (belacan)
• 1 teaspoon Chili paste (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon Dark soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons Roasted peanuts, finely ground
• 2 teaspoons Sesame seeds, lightly toasted

Directions

Step 1

In a small saucepan, combine the tamarind paste, palm sugar, and water. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring constantly, until the palm sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2

Add the shrimp paste and chili paste (if using) to the saucepan. Stir well to combine, allowing the shrimp paste to fully dissolve into the sauce.

Step 3

Stir in the dark soy sauce and let the mixture simmer gently for another 2 minutes, ensuring all the flavors meld together.

Step 4

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly.

Step 5

Once the sauce has cooled, stir in the finely ground roasted peanuts and toasted sesame seeds. Adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your preference by adding more palm sugar or soy sauce, respectively.

Step 6

Let the sauce cool completely before using. Serve it as a dressing for Rojak, or as a versatile dip for a variety of snacks and fruit.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	212.5 grams (212.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	512

Total Fat 16.20g	21%
Saturated Fat 2.40g	12%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 3mg	1%
Sodium 1441mg	63%
Total Carbohydrate 82.10g	30%
Dietary Fiber 3.90g	14%
Total Sugars 74.60g
Protein 9.80g	20%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 104mg	8%
Iron 3mg	16%
Potassium 604mg	13%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.4%

Protein: 7.6%

Carbs: 64.0%